Mainz: A Close Up at German University Life Past Review
By Katherine W (German/International Relations, Austin College) for
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz: Mainz - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I gained a lot of confidence in my German abilities and had some amazing times. Meeting people, making friendships in another language is such a rewarding experience, I highly recommend it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The university does not put much emphasis on catering to exchange students, so students going to study a language have less opportunities to find classes of interest that meet their language competency. There are, however, a large variety of strictly language courses available. The classes taught in English are of a very high caliber, so many students who are double majoring have the opportunity to take high level courses in subjects other than German. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had no personal action with any administration and found it difficult to know who to contact when I was confused about something at the university. However, activities and outings were planned pretty successfully. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived by myself in a student housing facility that was very new and comfortable. However, it generated absolutely no social contact with the other people living in the dorm. If a person goes to Mainz without already having friends in the city, I would suggest living in a more social atmosphere or an apartment in the city. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a great year and the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people. Mainz is a university town so there is always a lot going on for students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in danger. The program addressed no issues of health, that was all up to the insurance. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~100 EUR. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My kitchen consisted of only a stove top, so I had to buy a lot of basic kitchen hardware (i.e. toaster) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | German 201 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program helped my German competency substantially simply by being in Germany and forcing me to interact with Germans on an every day basis. The environment helped more than the courses, which helped primarily simply by being difficult to understand for a few months until I got used to hearing the language spoken so quickly. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared and energetic to go out and meet people! Go to all the "ersti"parties early on and try to have a good time. Trust your German skills and take every opportunity to engage with Germans. |
